The story of jacob and his family moving to egypt – याकूब और उसके परिवार के मिस्र जाने की कहानी
The story of Jacob and his family moving to Egypt is a significant event in the Bible, found primarily in Genesis 46-47. It highlights God’s providence, the reconciliation of Joseph with his brothers, and the fulfillment of a divine plan to preserve Jacob’s family during a time of great famine.
Jacob had twelve sons, and one of them, Joseph, was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Joseph ended up in Egypt, where, after many hardships, he rose to power as the second-in-command under Pharaoh, responsible for managing food supplies during a severe famine. During the famine, Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt seeking food, unaware that the powerful Egyptian leader was their brother. After a series of interactions, Joseph revealed his identity to them and forgave them for their past actions.
After revealing himself to his brothers, Joseph instructs them to return to Canaan, where their father Jacob lived, and to bring him and the entire family to Egypt. Joseph tells them that the famine will continue for several more years, and living in Egypt will ensure their survival. Joseph also promises to provide for them and settle them in the fertile land of Goshen, where they will be well cared for.
The brothers return to Canaan and tell their father, Jacob, that Joseph is alive and is a ruler in Egypt. Jacob is initially in disbelief, but after seeing the provisions and gifts sent by Joseph, he is convinced. Jacob is overjoyed and expresses his desire to see Joseph before he dies.
In Genesis 46, Jacob sets out for Egypt with all his family members, livestock, and possessions. However, before entering Egypt, Jacob stops at Beersheba and offers sacrifices to God. That night, God speaks to Jacob in a vision, reassuring him not to fear going to Egypt:
“I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.” (Genesis 46:3-4)
This divine reassurance reminds Jacob that his journey to Egypt is part of God’s plan, and it echoes the earlier promises made to Abraham and Isaac about their descendants becoming a great nation.
Jacob and his entire household (a total of 70 people) arrive in Egypt. The Bible provides a detailed genealogy of Jacob’s descendants who make the journey with him. When they arrive, Joseph prepares to meet his father.
In a deeply emotional moment, Joseph goes to Goshen to meet Jacob. When they finally see each other after years of separation, Joseph throws himself on his father and weeps for a long time. Jacob, overwhelmed with joy, says that he can now die in peace because he has seen that Joseph is alive.
Joseph then arranges for his family to meet Pharaoh. He carefully instructs them to tell Pharaoh that they are shepherds, as the Egyptians viewed shepherds as detestable and would therefore allow them to live separately in the land of Goshen. When Jacob and his sons meet Pharaoh, Pharaoh is gracious and gives them permission to settle in Goshen, the best part of the land.
Jacob, now 130 years old, blesses Pharaoh when he meets him, acknowledging that his life has been difficult but that he has seen God’s faithfulness through it all.
Jacob and his family settle in Goshen, where they are provided for during the remaining years of famine. Joseph, with his influence in the Egyptian government, ensures that his family lacks nothing. Meanwhile, the famine worsens, and Joseph continues to manage the resources of Egypt, buying up land and livestock for Pharaoh in exchange for food.
The story concludes with Jacob living in Egypt for 17 years. Before his death, Jacob calls Joseph and makes him promise to bury him in Canaan, with his ancestors. Joseph agrees, and later, Jacob will bless his sons and give prophetic words about their future.
The move to Egypt sets the stage for the Israelites to grow into a great nation, as God had promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. However, this also marks the beginning of a long period of enslavement for the Israelites, which will eventually lead to the Exodus. Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers and their reunification is central to the story, demonstrating the themes of God’s providence and mercy. God’s reassurance to Jacob not to fear the journey shows that even in foreign lands, God remains with His people, guiding and protecting them.
The story of Jacob’s family moving to Egypt is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, leading to the fulfillment of God’s promises and laying the foundation for future events in the biblical narrative.
The story of jacob and his family moving to egypt –
याकूब और उसके परिवार के मिस्र जाने की कहानी
